James popped in to 'This Day Live' yesterday to chat with James Wright about his West End show 'Man of Steal'. You can hear what he said (and see what he stole!) in this video.
James was a guest on the Arts Show on BBC Radio 2 this week. chatting with Claudia Winkleman about all kinds of cons, cutpurses and how to stay safe. Listen here.
When James was interviewed by Official London Theatre on Tuesday, he chatted to their unsuspecting reporter for a couple of minutes before they began filming. “I thought it might be more fun.” he said. Watch what happened next..
Due to huge demand, JAMES FREEDMAN: MAN OF STEAL transfers to the Trafalgar Studios, following a sell-out season at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
”James Freedman will steal a whole lot more than you might expect and one member of the audience will lose the most valuable thing possible – it could be you!
Funny and fast-fingered, this unique and extraordinary show MAN OF STEAL exposes how the bad guys really work as James sahares a life-time spent studying hustlers, street criminals and con-men.
Hailed a genius in his field by Derren Brown, stealth-crime expert James Freedman is the only man to have picked the pockets of the Mayor of London, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Governor of the Bank of England. You can't afford to miss this show!”
For tickets visit Trafalgar Studios website here
James was interviewed by Daily Mail reporter Harry Mount recently and gave some tips on staying safe from pickpockets. You can read the whole article here
James was appearing on ITV's This Morning today when Prime Minister David Cameron compared him with Alex Salmond.
The Prime Minister had just finished his interview and Phillip Schofield was introducing crime expert James Freedman by saying: "Up next a man who can pinch your wallet, your watch and even your tie without you ever noticing."
To which Mr Cameron can be clearly heard saying: "Who's that Alex Salmond?"
James has yet to receive an apology.
James was on CNN this evening stealing from and talking with Richard Quest about electronic pickpockets and his theatre show Man of Steal. The shock reveal of Richard's PIN number has been cut from the end of the interview to protect the guilty! Watch here
James was a guest on 'Midweek' on BBC Radio 4 yesterday. You can catch up with BBC iPlayer here
James was on BBC London radio today, chatting with Jo Good about his study of pickpockets and his new one-man show. You can catch up on iPlayer here (from 1:09)
We are thrilled to announce that James’ show is coming to London. Here’s the full announcement from the producers:
It has been announced that James Freedman is bringing his show Man of Steal to the Menier Chocolate Factory for six nights between 12th and 27th April 2015.
Freedman is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest pickpocket entertainers.
Funny and fast-fingered, Freedman exposes how the bad guys really work, the show reflecting a life-time spent studying hustlers, street criminals and con-men. Fuelled at an early age by being victim to muggers and further inspired by watching child pickpockets on the streets of Paris, he began a lifelong study of criminology and the psychology of thieves. In his words, “It was then I decided to become a pickpocket myself – only an honest one. I want to educate people to help them avoid becoming victims.”
Hailed a genius in his field by Derren Brown, Freedman is the only man to have picked the pockets of The Mayor of London, The Chancellor and the Governor of the Bank of England. With his hands having been insured for £1m, his expertise is courted by the entertainment industry with his consulting on the film of Les Misérables, and Roman Polanski’s Oliver Twist, the BBC’s Hustle and as The Real Hustle’s ‘pickpocket expert’.
As well as an entertainer, he is in great demand from Police Forces and other security professionals as an advisor, speaker and educator on the subjects of crime prevention, social engineering and fraud – particularly the growing areas of bank card fraud and identity theft. He has recently appeared in a regular slot on the Channel 5’s series Police 5, demonstrating the latest scams and how to avoid them.
Man of Steal is directed and co-written by Edward Hilsum the founder of production company Love Variety.
For more information and to book tickets click here
Some top pickpocket safety tips from James who's featured in the Sun today.
We're thrilled that 'James Freedman: Man of Steal' has received this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Star review from the much respected Fringe Guru:
“Beware of pickpockets” warns an ominous sign, hanging in pride of place on the Voodoo Rooms stage. But there is – we hope – only one pickpocket in the house today: the self-confessed master thief James Freedman, who promises to lift watches and wallets from willing victims in front of several dozen pairs of staring eyes. It’s an intriguing idea, but can you really flesh it out to a 50-minute show? Well yes, to my surprise, it turns out that you can [more]
James is featured in the Edinburgh Evening News today. To read the full article, http://m.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/what-s-on/theatre/james-freedman-s-tips-to-beat-pickpockets-1-3503376
We are very excited to announce that James will be presenting his new one-man show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
James Freedman is a thief. He’s entertained thousands of people with his very funny one man show “The Man of Steal', featuring a combination of confidence tricks, devious deceptions and modern fraud.
An expert in pickpocket techniques, stealth crimes and identity theft, “The Man of Steal” is a funny and fast-fingered show that lets us glimpse the psychology of street criminals, from 17th century ‘cutpurses’ to today’s ‘Apple and Blackberry pickers’ targeting our modern smartphones.
“I want you to understand how thieves think” says James, “so you'll never be a victim.” Then with a smile, he deftly relieves volunteers from the audience of their wallets, smartphones, watches, PIN numbers, passwords and even their identities.
But don’t worry, he gives it all back!
Photo: Colin Baldwin
James picking a pocket or two at Café de Paris. The evening raised over £73,000 for The Haven. www.thehaven.org.uk
James was invited to entertain at 10 Downing Street yesterday to help the charity U Support which provides opportunities for children suffering with a disability, hardship or illness.
Founded by Adam and Tracey Gregory, U Support provides life changing experiences by helping disabled and disadvantaged children to attend sporting and cultural events with their carers.
The reception, to launch the charity's 'Opening Doors Campaign' was generously hosted by Samantha Cameron.
This is the third time that James has been invited to entertain in London's most famous street. He said, "It's a privilege to be here to support a small charity that does such amazing work. As U Support launches 'Opening Doors', the door of Number 10 seems like a very good place to start."
Prime Minister David Cameron said, "To have helped around 10,000 young people in just eight years is a marvellous achievement. I wish you and all at U Support every success for the future."
For more information about U Support visit usupport.org.uk
James is featured on the cover of the Magic Circular magazine this month.
James will be appearing at Blush Cabaret on 29 April in aid of Breast Cancer Haven. This VIP event at the Café de Paris in London's West End will feature James and other acts to create an immersive cabaret”
“We are delighted to announce that James Freedman is the first act confirmed for our Blush Cabaret at the end of this month. Tickets are still available for this event. Please follow this link to find out more and to book your tickets.” http://www.thehaven.org/blush2014
The event is produced by Love Variety and sponsored by Aviva.
James will be appearing regularly on the new series of 'Police 5' which starts tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 5.
Police 5 features appeals for the most wanted criminals, the latest crime caught on CCTV and experts who will be revealing the tricks of modern criminals.
Last but not least, Shaw Taylor, the original TV crime fighter, will be back on screen too, asking viewers to, "Keep ’em peeled," as he tries to reunite theft victims with what is rightfully theirs.
The government urges Barclays bank to consider recalling up to 13 million credit and debit cards after a Channel 4 News investigation uncovers serious security flaws in its payment systems. James shows his traditional pickpocket skills in this piece about electronic pickpockets.